KZN snake handling and ID course?

[che]

Hey everyone!!

So the higher powers were on my side this week and my test was postponed and I will be making it to this course!

Is there anyone from Durban who knows directions that i could possibly follow? Or even if anyone would like to come with me? Please let me know.

Thanks

[Slingshot]

Best is to look it up on Google Maps: maps.google.co.za and search for "New Germany Nature Reserve" or click on the direct link below.
Next to the result on the left, there's a drop-down arrow where you can choose "Directions" and enter your start and end location.

http://maps.google.co.za/maps?f=q&sourc ... 21136&z=16

[Slingshot]

Looks like a good chance of rain on Saturday afternoon. Do the braai guys have a plan for rainy weather?
What do we need to bring with? Things such as paper, pen, meat, chair?

http://www.weathersa.co.za/web/Tables.a ... 0&mw=w&v=2

[Bushviper]

Yeah the rain will be bad if it comes down early. We do have a veranda which we can sit under. If you could bring some chairs that will always be welcome. Pens to write the exams with are a good idea.

If you have hook sticks or glasses you would like to do the training with that is also a good idea. Long pants and sturdy shoes or boots will also be better than shorts and sandals for the handling part.

[Jen]

I just got back from the course & have to report that I thoroughly enjoyed it! I learned so much and the practical side of things was a great experience. Thanks Arno for making the effort to come to Durban! Thanks also to John Chinn & Rob McMillan for their assistance.
Here are a few pics of the day, very kindly taken by Antoinette (Rob's girlfriend):
MarkBT


Sligshot aka Johan


Groenslang aka Arno


Smeegle aka Dennis


Arno (BV) showing us how it's done, with Che


Me (Jen)


Che


I have loads more pics but I don't want to chew up all of your bandwidth!

[Slingshot]

Thanks for the photos Jen. And thanks to Arno and everyone else involved! I learned a great deal and enjoyed every aspect of the course. Well worth it!

[Smeegle]

Awesome pics, Jen and Antoinette! Thanks for sharing!

The course was excellent and is definitely a must for anyone interested in snakes!

[Bushviper]

Glad you all enjoyed it. It was great fun and I hope this will encourage others to get training if they want to keep or remove venomous snakes. My words were hardly cold and two people got bitten on Saturday. One was an accident the other ... well not so much. Please people. lets be careful out there.

[marc bt]

Thanks so much Arno, i enjoyed every minute of it and would encourage people to attend one when there is one in your area, it would even be worth driving to Pretoria or where ever there might be one.
i am so happy i was there for the snake bite ID and treatment part too, atleast i know now if i do get bitten what i should and should not do. I learnt a hell of a lot!

[s'mee]

BV wearing shoes????????
What is this world coming to?

[Eyelash]

Haha...I agree s'mee...not even sandals but SHOES haha...

[marc bt]

Myself and BV swopped shoes for the afternoon as you can see Not the best herping foot-wear!

[Bushviper]

Yeah right Marc. Glad you enjoyed it.

I know most of the time the guys in Durban will be wearing sandals throughout most of the year so possibly if they get a callout and are in the area they will have to work around this problem.